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After 20 Years of Competition Creole Radio Stations Join Forces to help the Haitian Community

Published: February 14, 2011

Ducarmel Bellevue, Radio Independence International and Paul Mondesir, AFSC

Photo: AFSC / AFSC

A decision by Radio TeteEnsemble and Radio Independence International to join forces is being welcomed by the Fort Myers and Immokalee Haitian population as a move that will strengthen the relationship between both communities. Sergo Caprice, director and owner of RTE, and Ducarmel Bellevue, for RII, say the decision will enable the two stations to pool resources and enhance the services they provide to the Haitian community.

“The Radio Stations, for the first time after 20 years of conflict, now have common objectives and play a valuable role in promoting and maintaining Haitian Language and Culture in Fort Myers and Immokalee,” Paul Mondesir said and added “by joining forces they can operate in a way that plays to their individual strengths and reflects as well as reinforces the best of the Haitian Culture, news, and stories.”

Mr. Mondesir said he hoped both radio stations would continue to be an important source of information, discussion, and debate for Haitian people. The two stations will continue to provide the Fort Myers and Immokalee population access to Haitian culture and will continue to make a positive contribution to Haitian’s identity.

This joint effort was a consequence of the intervention of Paul Mondesir, through more than 10 months of negotiation. Sometimes, individuals or groups do not feel it is to their collective interest to resolve a conflict. The price is too high. Resolution involves compromise or capitulation. If a party is unwilling to compromise or to capitulate, then the conflict is likely to continue. Negotiation were stimulated by finding mutual interest and needs and emphasizing the matters that can be agreed upon, and by not dwelling on points of difference.

Paul is an effervescent defender of human rights and works for AFSC. Mr. Mondesir had the initiative to strengthen the relationship between these radio stations with the goal of providing a better service to the interests of the Haitian community. Mr. Mondesir’s analysis of the existing situation in reference to the goals, values, religious, and political tendencies of the Haitian community helped him to facilitate the communication between both parties and encouraged them to open the lines for free and productive discussions.

The two radio stations will combine human resources and equipments to offer better information, support, and services to the Haitian communities of Fort Myers and Immokalee.

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